About Vanessa Muri
Montreal City Editor Vanessa Muri has lived in London and Tokyo, but finds the charms of her hometown irresistible. From the latest scoops to the best deals in Montreal and everything in between, don't miss her weekly take on life in the fair city.
Bargain Bouffe
Montreal Musings: Happening Gourmand canada, Montreal
(Jan.11.12)
Old Montreal is gaining a stronger and stronger foothold as the city’s go-to foodie destination. But the prices to enjoy such fanciful fare are not always within reach, depending on one’s budget. (Even tougher post-holidays.)
Thus Happening Gourmand, now in its fifth year, is the perfect way to try cuisine from some of Vieux-Montréal's well-known restos at reduced cost – up to 40% off the usual price. Seven tables d'hôtes at either $23 or $27, with a minimum choice of two entrées, three mains and two desserts.
The restaurants include Vieux-Port Steakhouse, Modavie, Aix la cuisine, Méchant Boeuf, Suite 701, Verses, and Tavern Gaspar (all part of the Antonopolous Group). I’ve eaten at the last three before and was eager to try something new from the list.
Thus I was excited to be invited to a media 'tasting' of the tasting menus: one entrée from each of the seven restaurants. (Thankfully, they were post-holiday celebration size.) The highlights of my veggie-friendly menu were as follows:
An adorable (and delicious) coffee cup of French onion soup from Tavern Gaspar.
Homemade butternut squash ravioli with sautéed mushrooms, red wine reduction and aged cheddar from Verses. Stupendous.
And hearty spinach gnocchi with shiitake mushrooms from Le Vieux Port Steakhouse. (The irony is not lost...)
Desserts included an assortment of macarons from Méchant Boeuf and a to-die-for chocolate gourmand with maple caramel and fleur de sel from Aix la cuisine. Tip - dip your spoon deep into the jar to savour every ounce of that caramel...
At $23 (or $27), this a deal too good to pass up. Get your friends together for the next birthday celebration - and hope that it falls within the month of January. (If it doesn't, go anyway.) Because after the 31st...
Tick tock.